The UK is a popular tourist destination and with all its rich history, it’s no wonder almost 4 million tourists visited from the USA in 2018. Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t be able to travel there any time soon with the entire nation currently in strict lockdown.
However, it isn’t a time to be envious of Brit’s, while you may assume that they could still enjoy the popular landmarks of the British Isles, for anyone wanting to see these, the cost is more than we could imagine.
Lawsure Insurance has delved deeper into this, by choosing some of the UK’s most popular landmarks and comparing costs for properties that hold them in their views. Gone are the days of simply being able to buy an admission ticket, nowadays it’s going to cost thousands to see these.
Whether you live in Britain or not, perhaps after this lockdown, we will think differently when it comes to buying a property. Previously, the biggest worries were nearby schools, is the dining room big enough for everyone to eat during the holidays and does the property come with the arduous task of insuring a possessory title?
Now we might be more concerned about having enough room to home-school the kids, a place to exercise safely and of course, a beautiful view to kill time while staring out the window.
Read on to see how much you might have to pay to see some of these popular tourist attractions.
1. Big Ben
Think of London and you think of Big Ben. While the building itself is known as the clock tower, Big Ben is actually the bell inside that chimes.
Londoners have taken their time from these chimes since 1859 and it is still one of the most popular tourist attractions today. While few can go and stand by this site at the moment, there are some who are lucky enough to be able to see this every day from the safety and comfort of their own homes.
So how much does it cost to have the privilege of seeing the world’s most famous clock every day? Well, £30million ($37m) is the asking price.
The property does come with seven bedrooms, an indoor pool, a private gym and snooker room. If you have the luxury of this property, you probably have better things to do than stare out of the window.
For that price, we think we’ll just stick to using an ordinary wall clock.
2. The Tower of London
Famous for executing prisoners and even some royalty and dates back over 1000 years. A total of 400 executions were recorded, although it is thought the actual total was much higher.
The last execution was carried out in 1941 by firing squad but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t a reason to lose your head when it comes to the cost of this one!
£9,500,000 ($11m) will buy you a private view of this amazing piece of history, along with a private bar and wine cellar in your own home.
The view is just along the River Thames, the same boat journey many prisoners would have had to make on their way to the final hours.
Whether you find the tower fascinating or frightening, you have to admit it’s pretty cool to be so close to this piece of the past.
3. Windsor Castle
I mean, come on, who doesn’t want to be neighbors with Queen Elizabeth II. Although we may associate her with Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle is actually her main abode and she spends most of her time there.
A residential street shares a road with the main gates to the castle itself and you can take residence for £1,450,000 ($1,790,000).
We aren’t sure if you’ll actually ever be allowed to visit her majesty but you can always try to pull the ‘I’m-a-neighbor’ card to blag your way to a free ticket.
Windsor Castle has over 1.3 million visitors a year and with no visitor car park, you better hope the property comes with a garage or private parking space or you may have to park a few blocks over from your own home every day.
4. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has been home to Scottish monarchs for centuries but is now used as a tourist attraction. The most recent use before this was as a prison, where criminals were housed in its many vaults.
However, a mass prison break in 1811 led leaders to deem it no longer suitable.
Due to the rolling hills of Edinburgh, despite sitting on top of a large incline, there are only a few properties that can see this from their windows.
The castle is now most famous for its epic New Years Eve fireworks display, but with over a million people attending this show, the crowds are tedious.
If you’re willing to fork out £1,388,500 ($17m) you can have an apartment with a private view of the castle and its fireworks. However, for that price, you might want to consider charging entry to your next party on December 31st.
5. Ben Nevis
The tallest summit in the UK, Ben Nevis sits in The Highlands of Scotland. Around 150,000 people attempt to climb the summit every year, with the trek taking 7-9 hours.
You can purchase a property for £625,000 near the bottom of the summit. ($770k). This may not seem like a huge cost in comparison to other landmarks, but seeing as the average house price in The Highland is £200,000 ($240k), it certainly is a huge price increase.
6. Blackpool Tower
British seaside resorts are often compared to the famous Blackpool beaches. This is the home of the quintessential English beach day out.
Donkey rides, fish and chips, ice cream cones and of course Blackpool Tower are what makes this place so desirable, with a lovely Victorian atmosphere to the attractions.
When it was constructed, Blackpool Tower was the tallest structure in the UK at 158m. Nowadays it is dwarfed by the new record holder, The Shard, at 310m.
To get a view of this iconic landmark, you are looking at just under £100,000 ($123k). Although this won’t break the bank, it is certainly far more expensive than the average holiday budget.
Perhaps you have been inspired to visit these once we can freely travel to Europe again or perhaps you are like us and grimace at the extortionate costs of living near the booming tourist hot spots. One thing is for certain, we think we’ll just pay the price of general admission instead.
For more information visit: https://www.lawsureinsurance.co.uk/the-most-expensive-views-in-the-uk